The government is calling on the private sector to join efforts to modernise and optimise the country’s public transport system, which it believes is currently underused and not functioning as effectively as it should.
A high-level round-table discussion was held in Pretoria as part of efforts to secure private-sector support.
Acting Deputy Director-General in the Department of Transport, Khibi Manana, told stakeholders that an overhaul of the public transport system was long overdue.
The government is already investing close to R50 billion in the revitalisation of public transport, with funding allocated to areas including infrastructure and subsidies.
Manana shared the government’s frustration over what it considers the underutilisation of public transport infrastructure.
While welcoming the government’s renewed commitment to providing subsidies as part of broader efforts to modernise and optimise public transport, the taxi industry raised concerns about the impact of the National Credit Act and the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) on its businesses.
National Taxi Alliance Secretary-General Alpheus Mlazi blamed the National Credit Act for the taxi industry’s reluctance to invest in newer and safer vehicles.
“The National Credit Act. Those who live in Johannesburg, or those who operate in the Johannesburg CBD, must close their ears. There are some taxis where, even if the traffic light is green, you do not want to wait for it to move because it might not stop.
“You know why we still have those taxis on the road? Despite the government being so generous and pledging R7 billion to the taxi industry through the taxi recapitalisation programme, the National Credit Act, which is a retrogressive piece of legislation, prevents our people from obtaining finance from financial institutions,” said Mlazi.
SANTACO Gauteng spokesperson Graham Fritz warned that AARTO could put taxi owners out of business.
“We cannot always focus on the negative. We also need to say thank you where it is due. However, with the implementation of R2, it is going to affect many people’s livelihoods, especially those in the taxi industry.
“Let me be honest with you. If the demerit points system comes into effect, it will have a massive impact on the taxi industry.
“There are several issues concerning the demerit points system. One of my main concerns is what happens when a traffic fine is issued to a taxi. Who receives it? The owner, am I correct? But who is the offender? The driver.
“So, what happens if the driver goes through a red light or speeds? The fine and demerit points are attributed to the owner before the driver.
“I believe the government needs to engage with all stakeholders on the implementation of the R2 system, particularly the taxi industry,” he said.